Author's Note:

After a comment on the last chapter asking if maybe I should change the rating to M vs T. I discussed with a few of my other readers, spent hours researching what denotes T vs M and concluded that this story is better served remaining as a T rated story as it doesn't need an M rating. I would be comfortable with the same teen who might watch several PG-13 movies to read this. I have decided though to post a warning of anything that may remotely need it. For any who were appalled as I am sure Mrs. Lynde will be if she ever finds out (Should she?) that Anne & Gilbert spent the night in what is basically a brothel - saloon? For any who were concerned about where Anne & Gilbert ended up. The aim was the worse possible place they could be stranded and forced to discuss marrying. If you've read my previous story Typhoid & Gossip. On the spectrum of Teen to Mature rated on how graphic things are will be in the same camp. High end of Teen and I'll provide a warning for any chapter that may be triggering, or intense, or a bit too passionate between our heroes. Or more accurately awkward. (Foreshadowing… there will be a warning when Charlie tries to give advice to Anne & Gilbert on how to have marital relations with regulation and property.)

The only warning needed in this chapter is this: Brace yourself… We see Aunt Mary Maria and her thoughts on the girl that Gilbert is smitten with. I think she quite agrees with Mr Harrison's late parrot. AKA no warning needed unless you have to brace yourself for meeting Aunt Mary Maria.

For those curious about locations on the island renamed in the books and where they likely are… (These are my informed guesses digging through maps a few years ago…)

Avonlea = Cavendish

White Sands = North Rustico

Bright River = Hunter River

Carmody = Stanley Bridge

Four Winds Harbor = Saint Peters Harbour

Glen St. Mary = Saint Peters Bay (May be a nearby town)

It doesn't have much to do with this chapter… but a fun tibet.

Chapter 6: A Visit to Charlottetown

Marilla agreed to let Anne go to town, and it was arranged that Mr. Barry should take the girls in on the following Tuesday. As Charlottetown was thirty miles away and Mr. Barry wished to go and return the same day, it was necessary to make a very early start. But Anne counted it all joy, and was up before sunrise on Tuesday morning. A glance from her window assured her that the day would be fine, for the eastern sky behind the firs of the Haunted Wood was all silvery and cloudless. Through the gap in the trees a light was shining in the western gable of Orchard Slope, a token that Diana was also up. - Chapter XXIX, Anne of Green Gables

Gilbert came down the stairs to help his father with the pre dawn chores. John Blythe merely nodded. "So you rushed Anne home. Hope it didn't hurt either of your exams. Weren't expecting you for a week." His dad spoke.

"Only had one exam left, Professor Mansfield understood I had to rush her home. Let me take it last minute right after we got the telegram."

"We?" His dad nodded towards the cow. "I'll see to the horses, you get the milking done."

"I was walking Anne home when Diana's telegram about Marilla's condition arrived." Gilbert shrugged. "I couldn't let her face it alone."

"She's not alone."

"No." Gilbert stood straighter. "I'm going to marry her Dad."

His Dad just smiled. "One day. But I've got to warn you. She may not be blood, but her temper brews as long as Marilla's used to. Thought I was going to marry her once. But then I met your mother."

"I'm not meeting another girl. It's Anne or no one." Gilbert began to rhythmically milk the cow. "Did you ever hear Marilla or Matthew mention a cousin named Douglas Cuthbert?"

"Can't reckon I have." His dad shook his head. "But then I didn't grow up here, only came as a youth. Rachel Lynde would be the one to ask. She and Marilla were always close friends. Like Anne and Diana really. Anne mentioned him I guess? Seems distant relatives always come out of the woodwork when folks are dying. Won't be the same in Avonlea without Marilla."

Gilbert nodded. "I promised Marilla I'd look out for Anne, and the twins. So I'll be heading over after breakfast."

"Would have been shocked if you didn't." Was all his father said.

He'd had no time to talk to Anne privately when he arrived before church. The twins and Minnie May had come down for a few hours, and were bouncing about both him and Anne as Diana sat with Marilla. "Oh please Gilbert could you take them out of the house? I've some papers to look over for Marilla." Anne wiped her forehead. "And I've got to get the wash started. We had to change Marilla's bed linens twice and there's no fresh sheets left. Diana is going to take the twins and Minnie May with her parents to church, but there's so much to do and I dare not leave Marilla. Though I may need to tomorrow to see the lawyer."

So instead of talking to Anne he found himself leading the three children on a walk through Lover's Lane, as they all pestered him with questions about college.

"It sounds bully." Davy piped up when at last the questions were exhausted. "Just bully. Well not the studying and school. But the Lambs and football team. Though why'd you have to wear an apron and bonnet though? I want to know."

Gilbert just laughed. "So I'd look ridiculous."

He'd taken them back to Orchard Slope by breakfast time, took the basket of food from Mrs. Barry back to Green Gables where he finally found Anne pouring over documents.

"Anne?"

She glanced up from the sitting room table, where she sat reading. "Oh it's you. Gilbert, I need to focus."

"How can I help."

"Leave for church?" Anne shrugged. "Just let me read."

"Anne." Gilbert ignored her request pulling out the chair beside hers and sitting down. "Two heads are better then one."

"There's a strict settlement and will which are clear." Anne sobbed. "Green Gables goes to Douglas Cuthbert when Marilla dies. Both Marilla and Matthew signed to abide by it when Matthew inherited Green Gables. There's also a letter from Douglas Cuthbert. Which just makes it worse."

"Why?"

"He must've written it two years ago. For he wrote telling Marilla that she shouldn't have taken the twins anymore than they should have taken me. That they belong in an orphanage! He's very prideful. He's obsessed about Green Gables, though I don't see why. The will and strict settlement are clear. And all these documents, he is the closest male relative. There's adoption papers for myself. I am legally adopted the daughter of Matthew Cuthbert. Oh I wish I knew then, that Matthew saw me as his daughter."

"Let me look at it."

"It's not your concern."

"It is too. Marilla said we'll have to marry to protect you and the twins and Green Gables. I want to know why."

"We don't have to marry. Saving Green Gables is not a reason for an unwise marriage."

"Unwise!" Gilbert cried. "Marrying me is…"

"You'll find the right girl eventually, it's not me." Anne slumped in her seat. "Per the documents its rather clear. I'd only inherit if upon Marilla's death if I was married and then only conditionally. And that's only if I am decided as the heir, it could be Davey and it could be this Mr. Douglas Cuthbert."

"Why?" Gilbert laid a hand on her arm. "Anne, I mean it. Nothing would have to change. I'd rather just a marriage of two good friends for life and nothing more than loosing you."

She turned to him, her eyes blazing. "It'd be a nightmare married to you! You're a good friend, but I have my ideals and I know you have yours. We'll just fight. And you say we can just have it on paper. But even I know a man's got urges. And I'm not doing that! If I did, before I'd know it we'd be both dropping out of school, you working the farm while I've got a pair of twins crying for something to eat and another baby on the way."

Gilbert grinned at the image. "I wouldn't mind."

"You're going to be a Doctor." Anne spoke primly. "I won't risk you giving up your dreams. Anyways you're a dear friend but I don't think I'll ever want to marry. I have my ideals, my dream man and I've yet to meet him."

"So you'll just give up Green Gables? The Twins?"

"I'll go to Charlottetown tomorrow to speak with the Cuthbert's lawyer. He took care of Matthew's will and my adoption. And if it's Davy at least I can make sure that Douglas doesn't send them to an orphanage."

"What if it is Davy, and Dora is sent."

"Oh… I'll drop out of school and raise her myself. Gilbert, had you told me! I could have made certain Marilla got help, the surgery perhaps." She burst into tears and he wrapped his arms around her.

"Anne. I'll find a solution. What about Davy being the heir?"

Anne sighed. "There's paperwork, but none finalized. I've got to contact the lawyer. Per the strict settlement, any heir not of legal age, the guardian must be either the closest male relative of age or female relative over fifty."

Gilbert smirked. "And you're not over fifty."

"No."

"But I'm of age. Anne…"

"No." Anne stood up briskly. "We've been over this Gilbert."

"And I promised Marilla I would take care of you."

Anne glared at him. "I can take care of myself. I didn't need you butting yourself in and taking responsibility when I got my telegram this is my problem."

Gilbert leaned in close, whispering. "And what would you have done if I hadn't come with you when you've gotten to Pictau? Put yourself in danger."

"I am sure a solution would've presented itself. Now if you don't mind I need to gather up what I'm bringing with me tomorrow if you really want to help you could distract the children as Rachael and Diana care for Marilla while I'm gone. There's adoption papers for the twins that are recent, but I think there's some paperwork missing and I might not be reading this right. The lawyer will help though. I am determined, Marilla isn't going to die."

"I'll be over in time to pick you up tomorrow meet the 8:30 train." Gilbert stood straighter. "This is both our futures that we're talking about."

—

Dr. Blair came later that afternoon, and after an examination of Marilla, Anne cornered him as he came down the stairs. "Please, there must be some way we can…"

"Just make her comfortable until the end. I think she might have a few weeks, but it'll be your last Christmas with her Anne."

Anne rushed then into her little East Gable, flung herself onto the bed, drenching her pillow with tears. When she could cry no more she washed her face and went to sit with Marilla sending Rachel to her own bed to sleep. Christmas was only a week away, if it was gonna be the last it had to be the best.

In the late afternoon both Jane and Ruby came by. Jane brought a basket of food and Ruby deep laughter she told Anne about all her beaus. She worried about convincing Gilbert that she did not need him taking care of her. She would be able to take care of the twins and herself even if they lost Green Gables. Perhaps she would find some place for them and her to stay in Avonlea. Jane had the school now though so perhaps she would have to move. Maybe she could even find a place that Rachel Lynde could go with them.

Davy and Dora, back for another visit from their temporary abode at Orchard Slope, were sitting in the kitchen eating cookies made by Mrs Lynde. Davy stared at Anne for a minute. "Anne, what's going to happen to us when Marilla goes to heaven? Will Mrs. Lynde raise us here at Green Gables? Or will you come back? I want to know."

Anne took a deep gulp. "I don't know yet, that's what the visit to the lawyer will tell us tomorrow."

"Well I want to stay here. Milty's just a mile away and we mean to be farmers. I know you and Gilbert won't be, you chose school. Mrs. Lynde said Marilla will want me to go to college too, but I don't aim to. I'll be a farmer farming right here. Why I told Mr. Harrison that he best let me this spring help him if I'm to learn right how to farm. Of course, Mrs. Lynde said that Gilbert has his own farm, so you and he can live there when I'm grown. We'll have to find a husband for Dora though before my wife moves in."

"Davy Boy! Stop that talk at once. But whether at Green Gables or elsewhere I'm sure you'll be a fine farmer."

"But when Marilla dies…" Davy now had tears flowing. "Anne, I don't want her to die."

"Neither do I." Anne whispered.

Oh if only Gilbert had told her the truth about Marilla's visit last October. She might've been able to do some thing to save her. Now, she could see the life draining from Marilla. If only Gilbert had told her, or Marilla, Anne thought. If only she'd not gone to college. She sobbed at the thought of loosing Marilla soon, and rushed back up the stairs to Marilla's side.

—

It was evening just as the sun was setting that Gilbert made his way back over to Green Gables. Diana was coming down the stairs, "Oh Gilbert, I'm glad you're here. I sent an exhausted Rachel and Anne to their rooms. Could you sit with Marilla for a few minutes while I run to the outhouse?"

He entered the sick room noticing a chair next to the bed he sat down. Marilla glanced at him, "Gilbert? Where's Anne?"

"Sleeping."

"Rachel I hope is too? She's rather too devoted to being a nurse."

"Yes, she's determined to do the night shift according to Diana. I'm going to take Anne tomorrow to Charlottetown. She wants to speak to your lawyer about what she can do to protect the twins. Just who is this Douglas Cuthbert?"

Marilla's eyes went wide, as she reached to grab his hands. "Promise me Gilbert, you won't trust him? He's only ever wanted the heirloom, never really cared for Green Gables. He'd squash Anne and the twins for revenge. He's not a real…"

Her voice trailed off. "A real?"

"Its all about revenge. We were all part of it."

"Perhaps he's ready to make amends?"

"I wish. Would be the christian thing to do. The twins don't need to be adopted. Find the Heirloom, the proof needed it goes to Davy."

"What?"

"Green Gables. Matthew and I knew it would always go to the Keiths."

"But Douglas…"

"Oh he'll fight it. It's his birthright he'll claim. Though on that… That argument it's Orchard Slope that is. But it was sold for what his father did."

He stared at her but she'd fallen back to sleep.

Two hours later as Rachel Lynde took his place next to Marilla he stepped down the stairs finding Anne.

"I keep meaning to give you your ring back." She whispered as he came close. "No one knows…"

"No." Gilbert shook his head. "We might need to."

"I don't love you, oh I mean that way, I do love you but as I love Davy, or Dora, or Marilla, or Diana…"

"That's enough." Gilbert whispered, close to her ear so that none could hear if they came down the stairs.

"But you deserve more." She whispered.

"One day. But we've got three and a half more years of school. Then I've got medical school. We can make it a real marriage then…"

"No." Anne shook her head. "Lets just forget the whole thing. Please… It'll change everything and I…"

He leaned in. "Anne…"

She stepped back. "Oh Gilbert, you've got your ideals and so do I! We can't settle in order to protect the twins and Green Gables. I have my ideal. And I'm sorry, but it's not…"

"Anne. I don't care…" He grabbed her shoulders shaking her. "Don't you realize that we've got to protect the twins. Sure we can wait to decide until after we know if Douglas Cuthbert can be made to see reason. But I promise nothing needs to change. It will just be on paper."

"But… what about children?"

He shrugged. "That's a long ways off Anne. We won't be risking any activities that would begot children until we are responsibly ready for that. Please…"

She sat straight. " I… After I meet with the lawyer I'll give you my answer. Gilbert though, it's foolish. You can drive me to the station but that's all. You're rushing home early with me I was raised up enough questions."

Gilbert sighed. "I have to go to Charlottetown anyways. I promised my Mother that I would complete some shopping for her and deliver a box of presents for Aunt Mary Maria. If you're so determined that you don't want a friend holding your hand to this fine. But I will give you a ride and I have my own reasons for going to Charlottetown."

—

Anne sat in the Green Gables kitchen eating breakfast, the light from the kitchen reflecting out into the few patches of snow left from the last storm. She'd mentioned to Rachel when she'd been released from Marilla's bedside that Gilbert was escorting her to Carmody. "Well and good. It was real good of him to leave school early and get you home safely. Told me his professor let him take his last final though he'd not even studied for it hours after you both got the telegram. He's real dependable, will make a good husband one day."

She hadn't said anything in response, only mumbled as she made a quick exit. Husband! There had to be another solution.

He came of course, bright and early, just as it began to grow lighter, yet still some minutes before the sun would rise. "Ready Anne?"

"Just grab my coat." She spoke quickly, finishing putting the breakfast things away. She came towards the front hall, where he was already waiting holding her coat out, she slipped it on, her heart skipping a beat as his hands rested briefly on her shoulders. Then taking her gloves, hat, and the portfolio she'd put together the night before of the legal documents, she followed him outside to the buggy.

They'd rode in silence as the island came to it's winter life. A few winter birds began to chirp as the sun rose, and for all its grayness, the world had a beauty of it's own. She found herself lost in it, only his speaking shook her out. "Dad says that it's been unseasonably long between storms. Wouldn't be surprised if a good one comes in a day or two. Asked me to keep an eye on the weather and not make any risks. You and I are to seek lodging with one of our acquaintances if its snowing at all."

"Gilbert…"

"Aunt Mary Maria will host us, or we could go to the Allens."

"We'll be fine. I aim to be back tonight at Marilla's bedside. Only as it gives Marilla peace of mind did I agree to go at all." She yawned. "She woke in the early hours and we had a good talk. Oh, a world without either Matthew or Marilla? How can I face that?"

Gilbert clutching the reigns in his far hand, took her hand in his free one, entwining his gloved fingers with hers. "You're not alone Anne. I'll face it beside you."

She gulped, holding back tears. The future was so dim, it had appeared so bright only a week before. Her prince in shining armor of course would never come. Instead it would only be Gilbert Blythe. The boy who called her carrots, and fought for her friendship. At least she wasn't alone.

—

They arrived mid morning in Charlottetown. She'd tried to convince him to split up so they could complete their errands quicker, but he wouldn't hear of it. Instead, he simply placed his hand on the small of her back leading her towards the street where the lawyer's office was, the package for Aunt Mary Maria under his arm. She'd had no appointment, for everything was so sudden. She'd hoped the lawyer would have a minute to review and explain some hidden loop hole that would save Green Gables and protect her from being cornered to marrying Gilbert. He wasn't available though. But taking pity on their situation, the clerk said he could squeeze her in mid afternoon. They'd just have time to catch the afternoon train home.

So she'd found herself going with Gilbert to first the home of his father's cousin, a bitter woman that Gilbert called Aunt Mary Maria. The woman was critical of everything. Marilla was dying? Then why was Anne not at her deathbed? This was the girl that John had written to her that his son was so smitten over? She's a red head! Really, by the time their visit was complete, Anne felt every hair on her body had bristled, and she'd had to stomp three blocks through Charlottetown before she could face Gilbert whose face seemed a study between embarrassment and laughter, for he clearly could not decide which was the proper response. She'd found herself laughing there on the street corner, holding onto Gilbert's arm as they both broke into laughter over Aunt Mary Maria. "I'm afraid, if I don't laugh I'll cry Gilbert. At least the laughter of the world isn't completely gone."

He'd taken her arm then and they'd had a merry time looking at the shops, finding a few items requested by Mrs. Blythe, and two small gifts from Gilbert for the twins. "You don't have to… I know money is tight…"

"They need a little cheer. They've lost so much already." Was all Gilbert said as he purchased ribbons for Dora and a set of jacks for Davy.

At two they returned the the lawyer, and after a fifteen minute wait they were shown in to the office of Mr. Judson. "Miss Shirley and…"

"Mr. Blythe." Gilbert shook the lawyer's hand.

"I reviewed the documents you left Miss Shirley with my clerk, and what I have on file for the Cuthbert's. Matthew was a fine man, my father was the lawyer for the Cuthbert's before myself. But as to the strict settlement Matthew Cuthbert's grandfather put in place when he deeded the land of Green Gables to his son, there's no breaking it. You've three choices truly. You give up all claim to Green Gables, and one month after Marilla's death you'd be required to vacate it for the next heir, Mr. Douglas Cuthbert. Marilla made a point of adopting the twins this fall. That makes per this strict settlement, David Keith the heir of Green Gables, not you Miss Shirley. Personal items are to be left to you, Miss Shirley but the guardianship will be left to Mr. Douglas Cuthbert, at least for David Keith. Now, Douglas Cuthbert tried to fight for Green Gables when Matthew passed. We squashed that, but still, made it clear he'll do what it takes to get Green Gables. Put out a letter demanding you and Marilla leave it within weeks of Matthew's death."

Anne gasped in shock, only the squeeze of Gilbert's hand finding hers helped her to find her voice. "But it says, she has life interest at Green Gables."

"Yes, which was why we were able to squash it so quickly. Why he's so bent on a little farm on the Island I'll never know. Met him once, nasty fella. Your options are limited though. Hand over Green Gables to him a month after Marilla's passing. We file the last of the adoption papers for the twins which makes David Keith the heir, but as you're not married the closest male relative and automatic guardian for David Keith would be Douglas Cuthbert. His sister Dora, though would be under your guardianship. I'm afraid knowing what I do of Douglas, he'd put the girl in an orphanage or home, only taking in David to get to Green Gables."

"If Anne and I are married before Marilla passes?" Gilbert asked. "We were hoping to wait until we graduated college, but…"

Were they truly so cornered? Anne thought. Surely she could find a way to make a home for her and the twins. She wouldn't ruin both their futures.